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OLIVETTE <br />UNIVERSITY CITY <br />I-170/OLIVE BOULEVARD <br />JOINT REDEVELOPMENT <br />TASK FORCE <br />EXECUTIVE SUMMARY <br />In May 2009, the I-170/Olive Boulevard Joint Redevelopment Task Force (Task Force) was tasked by the <br />City Councils of University City and Olivette to explore redevelopment opportunities and joint initiatives in <br />the Olive Boulevard corridor on the east and west sidesof the intersection with I-170. Our assignment <br />had many components. We were to discuss similarities and differences between the communities <br />relating to long-range redevelopment goals and objectives; develop principles and goals to guide <br />redevelopment in both communities; solicit expert opinion about the redevelopment principles and make <br />appropriate adjustments; develop action stepsto accomplish the long-range redevelopment principles <br />and goals; identify experienced developers; and explore available financing and potential joint <br />governance mechanisms. With the exception of identifying experienced developers, which we believe is <br />premature at this juncture, we have completed our assignment. <br />Our findings indicate that the target area, including the existing land use types and businesses, which <br />have long existed in both communities, is stagnant. Privately-led efforts to rejuvenate the area have not <br />been successful. Over the past several decades, there have been multiple redevelopment attempts <br />which have failed to materialize due to complications in land assemblage, financing, or obtaining the <br />necessary political support. <br />Failure to capitalize on the recent interchange improvements will have long-term consequences to the <br />future image and investment in both communities. Continuing with the status quo as it relates to each <br />community maintaining, planning, and redeveloping the area independently is not recommended. <br />Without a major catalyst to energize property owners to work towards a common vision for the future, we <br />recommend that the cities of Olivette and University City continue to work together. These collaborative <br />efforts should result in a framework for redevelopment of the area that exploits the existing and future <br />transportation improvements. <br />In terms of the next step, we believe the most effective means for a coordinated redevelopment approach <br />is for both the communities to developan Intergovernmental Agreement. Among other items, this <br />Intergovernmental Agreement should address: <br />economic incentives; <br />marketing and promotion; <br />revenue sharing that recognizes the current sales tax structure; <br />common zoning regulations, including: <br />complimentary architectural designand site development standards, <br />o <br />common streetscape standards, <br />o <br />a form-based code or other appropriate zoning mechanism for regulating <br />o <br />developments reflective of the vision for the area; and <br />acontemplated master planto be developed in the future, though the <br />o <br />Intergovernmental Agreement itself need not contain a master plan. <br />After the two cities develop the framework and parameters for the Intergovernmental Agreement, the <br />Task Forcerecommends that the next joint steps be as follows: <br />continue to usethe Saint Louis County Economic Council, the Urban Land Institute, the private <br />development community and othersas resourcesto solicit “anchors” for redevelopmentof the <br />area; and <br />actively pursue Saint Louis County, including the Economic Council, East-West Gateway Council <br />of Governments, Metro, the Missouri Department of Transportation, and the Great Rivers <br />Greenway District, to partner, invest and plan for redevelopment of the areas surrounding the <br />interchange. <br />While these recommendations are being considered and pursued, both communities should continue the <br />collaborative efforts that reflect the mission of this Task Force. Should any future group be formed to <br />I-170/Olive Joint Redevelopment Task Force Final ReportPage 3of 17 <br /> <br />